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Influenza vaccination in individuals with egg allergy

INTRODUCTION

Both the intramuscular inactivated and intranasal live-attenuated influenza vaccines are cultured on fluid from chicken embryos. As a result, there is a small amount of egg protein in these vaccines. Thus, there is a potential risk of inducing an allergic reaction when administering the influenza vaccine to an individual with egg allergy. However, many of these same patients are also at higher risk of an adverse outcome due to influenza infection (eg, age <2 years, history of asthma) and would therefore benefit from vaccination.

This topic reviews the risks and benefits of administration of the influenza vaccine in patients with egg allergy. Other issues related to egg allergy (including prevalence) and allergic reactions to vaccines are discussed separately. (See "Egg allergy: Clinical features and diagnosis" and "Allergic reactions to vaccines".)

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is not contraindicated in patients with egg allergy. This is discussed in detail separately. (See "Allergic reactions to vaccines", section on 'Measles, mumps, and rubella' and "Egg allergy: Management", section on 'Egg-containing vaccines and lipid emulsions'.)

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INFLUENZA INFECTION

Both seasonal and pandemic influenza infection can lead to severe infection and death, particularly in certain high-risk groups (table 1). Seasonal influenza results in higher mortality rates among patients with certain chronic medical conditions (eg, asthma), pregnant women, and those at the extremes of age. (See "Clinical manifestations of seasonal influenza in adults", section on 'Complications of influenza' and "Clinical features and diagnosis of seasonal influenza in children", section on 'Complications' and "Influenza and pregnancy", section on 'Clinical course in pregnancy'.)

Influenza vaccination is recommended for all individuals six months of age and older and is particularly important in those at increased risk of complications. (See "Seasonal influenza vaccination in adults" and "Seasonal influenza vaccination in children", section on 'Indications'.)

          

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Literature review current through: 20.6: May 2012
This topic last updated: Dec 5, 2011
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